Category: Fishing Hints and Tips

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How to Catch Carp from Pressured Day Ticket Lakes

Fishing on a busy day ticket lake can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. With high angling pressure, wary carp, and competitive swims, success requires strategy, patience, and adaptability. In this guide, we’ll cover the key tactics to help you land more carp from these demanding waters.

1. Observation Before Action

One of the most overlooked aspects of carp fishing is observation. Before setting up, take time to walk around the lake and look for signs of carp activity. Look out for bubbling, jumping, swirling, or carp basking near the surface. Setting up in an area where fish are naturally present increases your chances of success.

2. Light and Subtle Approach

Slip-D Rig
Slip-D Rig

Carp in pressured lakes quickly learn to avoid conventional rigs and heavily baited areas. Try scaling down your tackle:

A stealthy approach with minimal disturbance, such as casting quietly and using back leads to pin down the line, can make all the difference.

3. Adjust Your Baiting Strategy

Many anglers rely on heavy baiting tactics, which can sometimes deter cautious carp. Consider:

  • Single Hookbaits: Using a bright or natural-colored single pop-up or wafter can tempt wary fish.
  • PVA Bags: A small PVA bag of crushed boilies and pellets offers a discreet yet attractive meal.
  • Spodding Wisely: If using a spod mix, avoid overfeeding. Light baiting with hemp, corn, and crushed boilies can encourage feeding without making fish overly cautious.

4. Fish at Less Obvious Spots

Most anglers fish open water or known hotspots, making these areas heavily pressured. Instead, try:

  • Fishing close to margins, snags, or lily pads
  • Casting to features such as gravel bars or drop-offs
  • Checking overlooked areas like quiet corners or behind islands

Carp often move to less disturbed areas, especially during busy times.

5. Change Tactics Based on Conditions

Zig Rig
Zig Rig

Carp behavior varies with weather, time of day, and angling pressure. Adjust accordingly:

  • On warm days, use zigs or surface baits
  • On colder days, fish slower and closer to the bottom
  • If night fishing is allowed, take advantage of the reduced pressure

6. Stay Mobile and Adaptable

A flexible approach increases success rates. If after a few hours you see no signs of fish, don’t be afraid to move to a more active swim. Light tackle and minimal gear make relocating easier.

7. Patience and Confidence

Finally, confidence in your tactics and patience are crucial. Pressured carp require finesse, but with the right approach, you can outwit even the wariest fish.

By observing fish behavior, refining your rig and bait presentation, and staying adaptable, you’ll improve your results on busy day ticket lakes. Tight lines and happy fishing!

**At Cally’s Carpy Customs, you can purchase a variety of high-quality, custom-made carp fishing rigs, all hand-tied using the finest industry components. Their selection includes popular rigs such as Ronnie Rigs, Slip-D Rigs, and Blowback Rigs. Additionally, we offer Pellet PVA Mesh Balls, Crushed Boilie PVA Mesh Balls, and Leaders to enhance your fishing experience.**

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Top Tips for Summer Carp Fishing

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, and for anglers, it’s a prime season for carp fishing. With longer days and warmer water temperatures, carp are more active and feed more frequently. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these top tips will help you make the most of your summer carp fishing adventures.

1. Choose the Right Location

Carp tend to be more active in certain areas of a lake or river during the summer. Look for spots with ample natural food sources, such as weed beds, lily pads, and overhanging trees. Shallow areas where the sun heats the water are also prime locations, as carp often bask in the warmth.

2. Use the Right Bait

Summer carp have a varied diet, so it’s essential to offer them bait they find irresistible. Boilies, sweet corn, and pellets are popular choices. You can also use natural baits like worms and insects. Experiment with different flavors and sizes to see what works best in your fishing spot.

Bait Tips:

  • Boilies: Fruit-flavored boilies often work well in the summer. Try flavors like strawberry, pineapple, or tutti-frutti.
  • Sweet Corn: Brightly colored and sweet, corn is a simple yet effective bait.
  • Pellets: High-oil pellets are particularly effective in warmer water.

3. Adjust Your Fishing Times

Carp are more likely to feed during the cooler parts of the day in the summer. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish. During the hottest part of the day, carp tend to be less active and may move to deeper, cooler water.

4. Use Lightweight Tackle

Summer carp fishing often requires a more delicate approach. Use lighter tackle to increase your chances of landing these cautious fish. A sensitive rod, light line, and small hooks can make a significant difference.

5. Pre-Baiting

Pre-baiting is an effective technique for attracting carp to your fishing spot. A day or two before you plan to fish, bait the area with a moderate amount of your chosen bait. This will encourage carp to frequent the area, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

6. Stay Stealthy

Carp are easily spooked, especially in clear summer waters. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid casting shadows over the water. Use subtle, quiet movements to avoid scaring off the fish.

7. Hydration and Sun Protection

While focusing on catching carp, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Dehydration and sunburn can quickly ruin a great fishing day.

8. Watch the Weather

Weather conditions can significantly impact carp behavior. Overcast days can be more productive than bright, sunny ones. Storms and sudden changes in weather can also affect feeding patterns. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your fishing trips accordingly.

9. Experiment with Rig Setup

Different rigs can make a big difference in summer carp fishing. Try using hair rigs, zig rigs, or chod rigs to present your bait more effectively. Adjust the length of your rig and the placement of your bait to see what works best.

Rig Tips:

  • Hair Rig: Great for presenting boilies or particles.
  • Zig Rig: Effective for fishing at different depths.
  • Chod Rig: Ideal for weedy or muddy bottoms.

10. Keep Learning and Adapting

Carp fishing is as much about learning and adapting as it is about skill. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, and don’t be afraid to try new techniques. Talk to other anglers, read up on the latest tips, and continually refine your approach.

Final Thoughts

Summer carp fishing can be incredibly rewarding with the right approach. By choosing the right location, using effective bait, adjusting your fishing times, and staying stealthy, you can increase your chances of landing some impressive carp. Remember to stay hydrated and protected from the sun, and always be ready to adapt to changing conditions. Happy fishing!

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Navigating Carp Waters: The Crucial Role of Leaders in Carp Fishing

Carp fishing is a pursuit that demands attention to detail, and one often-overlooked component that plays a pivotal role is the leader. Leaders serve as the final connection between your mainline and the rig, and choosing the right leader can significantly impact your chances of success. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of carp leaders, exploring their various types, functions, and the importance of selecting the appropriate leader for different fishing scenarios.

Monofilament Leaders: Time-Tested Reliability

Monofilament leaders are the traditional choice for carp anglers. Known for their reliability and abrasion resistance, these leaders provide a straightforward and cost-effective solution. Monofilament’s buoyancy can also be advantageous, particularly when fishing with pop-up rigs, allowing the bait to stay elevated above the lakebed.

Fluorocarbon Leaders: The Invisible Advantage

Fluorocarbon leaders are prized for their near-invisibility underwater. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice when fishing in clear water where carp may be wary of visible lines. Fluorocarbon also tends to sink, enhancing the overall stealth of your rig.

Leadcore Leaders: Tackling Submerged Obstacles

When fishing in snaggy or weedy environments, leadcore leaders come to the forefront. The lead core provides weight and sinks, keeping your mainline pinned to the lakebed and reducing the risk of the line coming into contact with submerged obstacles. This is particularly useful when using a helicopter or chod rig.

Shock Leaders: Handling Powerful Casts

Carp fishing often involves long-distance casting, and shock leaders are designed to handle the stresses associated with such powerful casts. Typically made from a thicker and more robust material, shock leaders absorb the shock generated during casting, preventing damage to the mainline.

Hybrid Leaders: The Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid leaders combine the qualities of different materials to create a versatile solution. For example, a hybrid leader might feature a fluorocarbon or monofilament section near the rig, transitioning to leadcore for added sinking ability closer to the mainline. This allows anglers to benefit from the strengths of multiple materials in a single leader.

Safety Leaders: Carp Conservation at the Forefront

Safety leaders, often incorporating a lead clip or a lead-release system, prioritize the safety of the carp. These leaders are designed to release the lead in case the carp becomes tethered, reducing the risk of injury to the fish. Safety leaders are a responsible choice for ethical carp angling.

Conclusion:

Carp leaders are not mere afterthoughts; they are integral components of a successful carp fishing setup. Understanding the characteristics and applications of different leaders empowers anglers to adapt their approach to specific fishing conditions. As you embark on your carp fishing adventures, consider the nuances of each leader type and tailor your setup to the unique challenges presented by the waters you fish. A well-chosen carp leader can make the difference between a frustrating day at the bank and a triumphant carp-catching experience.

**At Cally’s Carpy Customs, you can purchase a variety of high-quality, custom-made carp fishing rigs, all hand-tied using the finest industry components. Their selection includes popular rigs such as Ronnie Rigs, Slip-D Rigs, and Blowback Rigs. Additionally, they offer Pellet PVA Mesh Balls, Crushed Boilie PVA Mesh Balls, and Leaders to enhance your fishing experience.**

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Winter Carp Fishing Tips: Guide to fishing the seasons

Winter is one of my favourite times of the year to go carp fishing. You may be thinking why? It’s cold, damp, long nights with short days and fishing activity has slowed. Who would want to go then?

Yes I agree that the fishing will be much more difficult than in the warmer months but, providing you set yourself some realistic targets, you can have a rewarding few months! Every bite is hard earned in the winter but in return you can often catch carp at their top weights showing off their beautiful winter colours.

For me there is no better sight in the morning than waking up to a frost covered bank with mist rolling off the water’s surface watching the sun just start to rise. Alongside the views lakes tend to have minimal angler pressure in the winter which gives you the freedom to move onto the carp which can be a vital tactic in the winter!

Here are some of my top winter carp fishing tips to help you catch more carp whilst keeping comfortable in the colder temperatures.

Bait Choice

There are many different opinions on what bait is the best for a winter bite. My advice is to put away the fishmeal based boilies and opt for something a bit more natural like maggots or for a faster breakdown boilie which many bait brands now call “winter” baits.

Using maggots in winter is a great tactic when used in the right locations. If your lake is filled with silvers then this tactic will not work aswell so make sure you know the stock in the lake your fishing. If the lake is majority carp then usually a few pints a day will be enough to tempt a bite.

TOP TIP: Fishing a popped up maggot rig with a pva mesh bag is always a winning tactic in winter.

Alternatively using a single hookbait and a bright pop up can also prove effective in winter. I like to use this method when casting at showing fish or signs of feeding.

Remember the metabolism and feeding of carp in the winter does slow down so make sure your not going to hard on the freebies and over bait your swim. Little and often is the best tip for feeding freebies in winter.

Shorter Sessions

In winter the days are very short often only showing light between 7am and 4pm which is a vast contrast from those warm summer nights and extended daylight hours! You may find yourself sitting in single figure temperatures in the face of a brisk northerly wind, motionless bobbins and waiting for the fish to come to you.

These temperatures can make us less productive as we seek the warmth of our bivvies and sleeping bags. Try shortening your sessions down to a max of 24hrs as you can stay more productive for that shorter period of time. These shorter sessions on a more regular basis is a much better approach to catching that winter PB!

In the winter I tend to notice that the feeding times of carp are either at first light or the first hour into darkness. The best way to find this out is to do short 2/3 hours sessions in the morning or evening which will more often than not help you identify the bite times!

Locating the fish

Sometimes we can’t pick and choose the days we go fishing, you just have to put up with the weather you are given on a certain day. Turning up to a lake with and idea of what to look for is the best way to achieve a winter bite. So here are a few tips in how to locate fishing in the winter

Lake Walk – Make sure on arrival you do several laps of the lake looking for moving carp and holding areas. Carp tend to hold up in an area in the winter so if you can find them they tend to stay for longer periods due to their movements being less pronounced as the water temperature has reduced.

Shallows/Weed – Carp often eat naturals more in the winter so weed bays can hold these aswell as offering more warmth for the carp. On a sunny winters day the shallows is normally where you will find the carp due to the water temperature increasing quicker in these areas

Bivvy Position – Place your bivvy on the best possible angle to view as much of the lake as possible. I suggest making yourself a hot drink, sitting in the mouth of your bivvy and looking for signs of feeding carp! Remember don’t be afraid to move onto the fish!

Fishing for Liners – Fishing slacker lines can help you indicate if there are carp moving in and off your spots. Don’t be annoyed at liners in the winter, it is a great indictaion that carp are moving through your swim.

Water depths – Knowing carp activity in the winter is crucial to get you a winter bite. Normally the deeper water holds the warmer temperatures in the hours of darkness so knowing the depths is crucial. In the days, sometimes there are different levels in the water where carp hold up, why not try a zig at different depths as they can hold up in different water colums.

Scale down your terminal tackle

Water clarity in the winter can often improve so refining your terminal tackle is crucial. I advise going simple in winter and sticking with the rigs you are confident over. I tend to reduce my hook sizes from 4/6 to 8’s dependant on the rig and circumstances to help with keeping the rig small and simple. Think about making sure your rigs are pinned to the lakebed as this will help with camoflauge and in turn produce you more bites.

I’d even go as far as reducing my lead size. I tend to know how far I can cast certain lead weights and would opt for the smallest I can to reach my spots. This creates less crashes which will help with carp staying on your spots.

Check out our full range of handmade carp rigs HERE!

Summary

If your prepared for winter then it can be a great time to get on the bank.

In short I’d advise to locate the fish, keep mobile, stay warm and bait effectively!

Good luck this winter and if you would like some more advice then I’m only a email or facebook message away!

Tight Lines and Wet Nets!

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Autumn Carp Fishing Tips: Guide to Fishing the Seasons

Happy Wednesday Everyone! Hope you are all having a great week! We are going from strength to strength here at Cally’s Carpy Customs releasing more new products every week to cover a whole range of fishing! This week we have a discount on Ronnie Rigs, make sure you check them out!

This week I am going to talk about Carp Fishing in Autumn! This season is just like marmite, you either love it or hate it. These months divide the opinions of carp anglers as the carp tend to slow down due to the temperatures but they are already heavily fed from the summer months so can prove a tricky time to catch. Although if you do catch in autumn you have a better chance of beating your PB’s due to the carp stocking up for winter. First little tip, check the quieter venues, often these have had less pressure over the Summer and can provide some of the best fishing in the Autumn… More about that later!

When Is Autumn?

Autumn normally covers the months of September, October and November. In 2022, Autumn runs from from 23rd September to 21st December. With varied weather during this time bringing in spells of sunchine, rain, wind and colder nights this can help carp fishing and be a great time to get on the bank!

My Top Tips for Carp Fishing in Autumn

Autumn can be a rewarding time for carp fishing if you prepare correctly. Here are some tips and advice to increase you bite rate and hopefully help you land more carp!

1, Fish Location

In Autumn carp are alot less active compared to the summer so locating where they are hiding is a must! Change your mindset from summer and stop jumping in those favoured pegs and replace with a lengthy walk around the lake and watching for signs of feeding carp. If you can’t find any signs then some advice is to try areas like snags, deep margins or any area which is deeper in general as this is where the carp may hold up in preperation for winter.

To find these spots you can either use a marker rod or a deeper. The advantages of a deeper are you can find fish activity and use this technical approach to locate the carp quickly!

2, Watercraft and Carp Movement

Leading on from locating fish, my own carp fishing greatly improved when I self taught myself watercraft by watching videos and learning from others. Apart from looking for signs of feeding carp there are a few other scenarios to look out for when fishing on a lake.

For me wind direction is a key factor in where the carp will hold up. If a cold wind front is in I tend to like fishing off the back of the wind as this is where the water is warmer and more likely to hold carp. If it is a warmer wind front then I follow the wind and will jump in a peg where the wind is blowing into. This may not be pleasant for you but the carp fishing can be immense! On top of this is the carp movement. Spend a lot of your time with your eyes locked on the water. If you are there for a 24hr+ session build yourself a picture of where the carp are moving. Normally every lake has it own way the carp react often being in one space at night and one in the day. Building yourself a plan of where the carp will be can often result in more and quicker bites on sessions!

3, Baiting and Hookbait Approach

Autumn calls for a change in baiting technique as the carp slow down and prepare for winter. A general rule of thumb is to stop using any pellets which are high in oil or fishmeal boilies as carp take longer to digest in the colder months. My advice is to look at pellet contents and look for a low oil coarse pellet or swap to a bird food based boilie. In my own fishing I tend to pre soak all my boilies in Autumn to increase attraction during the colder weather. I then change into more natural baits during November and December using maggots, chops or sweetcorn as these provide a greater nutritional value to the carp and can often increase you bite rate!

Sweetcorn & Maggot rig

One technique I do like to use is a piece of bouyant corn with 8-10 maggots connected using bait floss. This is a great technique to trick those wary carp!

4, Carp Rigs for Autumn

In autumn I tend to scale my tackle down to allow me to fish quieter and stealthily move round the lake. I keep my rigs simple, and fish nice slack lines to help with not spooking the carp which will increase bites! I also scale down my lead often going for a 1.5/2oz lead to keep disturbance to a minimum.

Ronnie Rig
Ronnie Rig
Slip-D Rig
Slip-D Rig

My rig choices for winter are a Ronnie Rig with a long boom for pop ups and a Slip-D rig for all my bottom baits. The reason I use a long boom in the winter is to account for the softer lakebed due to the increased silt and falling leaves.

Chod Leader w/ Chod Rig

If the lake your fishing is particularly weedy of full of debris then a chod rig may be your best options to allow the lead to plunge into the weed/debris and then present a pop up above. I provide a leader that uses a Chod Safety system which come ready built with the chod rig on, simply just connect to your mainline, add the lead and you are ready to fish!

5, Moon Phases

Take this how you will but I believe in moon phases bringing larger carp especially a full moon or new moon. Although this may sound odd there is a positive correlation between moon phases and captures on England’s largest carp.

Summary

Thank you for taking time to read this weeks blog! Autumn can be a great time for catching PB’s and achieving your goals if approached in the correct way. I have loads of tips and techniques which may help improve your catch rate in Autumn. In summary I would advise the following:
– Keep your rigs simple
– Use natural baits
– Scale down your tackle
– Observe the water
– Locate the carp

If you have anything you would like to speak about feel free to use our website Online Chatter, DM me on Insta or Facebook or ping us an email!

Have fun if you get out on the bank this Autumn and I would love to see your catch reports over on our Facebook Page!

Take care and Tight Lines!